"It all started back in 2010 with the Baja Ha-Ha," writes Aussie sailor John Hembrow, "and now this." He’s referring to his recent nomination to receive the Cruiser of the Year award sponsored by Cruising Helmsman magazine. Despite the fact that we meet hundreds of new cruisers every year on the Ha-Ha, John and his lovely wife Leanne were standouts due to their upbeat energy and obvious enthusiasm for adventuring under sail. 

Since then, they’ve logged thousands of ocean miles and experienced both the highs and lows of the cruising life. Having spent several seasons in Fiji, John was a key player in developing the SailFiji app for cruisers. And a few years ago, he and Leanne created the now-popular Down Under Rally. Most recently, they’ve assisted in the ongoing relief effort to the outer islands of Fiji, in the aftermath of last month’s devastating Tropical Cyclone Winston. 

The pair stands out not only as sailors who know how to live life with gusto, but as travelers who show great respect for the cultures they visit. Their friends here at Latitude 38 applaud the example they set for others who follow in their wake. "Good on ya, mates."

Strictly Sail Pacific, the biggest all-sail boat show on the West Coast, will open in less than four weeks: Dates are Thursday, April 7 – Sunday, April 10. So it’s high time you marked your calendar and started making your game plan for visiting its many vendors and attending its free seminars.

To aid you in that process, check out the slick electronic Strictly Sail Show Guide at this link. There you’ll find an overview of eye-catching new products, featured seminars, free sailing opportunities, and profiles on many boats that will be on display and open for dockside tours.

It’s important to note that this long-established show has moved from Oakland to a new location on the Richmond waterfront, with exhibits in the historic Craneway Pavilion, and in-the-water boat viewing at the adjacent Marina Bay Yacht Harbor. (One big plus regarding the move is that parking should be much easier this year.)

Note also that you can save time by purchasing tickets in advance here, and if you punch in the Latitude 38 promo code, "Lat38," you’ll get a $2-per-ticket discount. We’ll look forward to seeing you at the Latitude booth!